"Strength Embodied" - Katelyn's Backstory
Written by Hannah
I’ve known Katelyn for a few years now. I was first introduced to her when my son Gage started outpatient physical therapy at age three. I recently began a new role with 7 Billion Ones and was thrilled to learn it was the same week Katelyn and Landry’s story would be shared. When I excitedly told her the date the story would go live, she responded that it was Landry’s first birthday—something no one knew about or planned, but which was orchestrated so perfectly.
Two and half years ago when Gage started a new intensive format of therapy it was intimidating at first, but I was hopeful for positive outcomes. What I wasn’t expecting was the huge benefit I would receive personally—making a new connection with an amazing individual in the process.
Katelyn made such an impression on me during our daily conversations while Gage was stretched and strengthened for hours at a time. She was clearly a talented therapist with a passion for what she did, but she was also genuine and raw in the best kind of way. She made it easy to open up and she shared from her heart in an authentic way.
Even on her day off, Katelyn showed up to celebrate Gage’s final day of intensive PT.
The last day celebration included yogurt and food coloring, compliments of Katelyn. Little bro even got to join in on the fun.
As I read through Katelyn and Landry’s story for 7B1s, I kept thinking, “oh, but there’s so much more!” When I first got to know Katelyn, I learned about so many parts of her life that make up her story—marrying her church camp sweetheart, witnessing the grip of addiction on family members, suffering excruciating loss of miscarriage, a tumultuous experience with foster parenting, and welcoming her first-born daughter. I also sensed a strong faith that carried her through. Time and time again, the wisdom and insight Katelyn shares speaks right to my core.
Katelyn and I are now connected in a whole new way—both members of a club that neither of us asked to join. Even still, it’s a powerful network of strong individuals who rely on each other and find comfort in shared experiences, united as special needs parents. What has always seemed particularly unfair to me when it comes to Katelyn and Landry’s situation is that she was never afforded the luxury of denial that many of us special needs moms “enjoy.”
Perhaps from an outsider’s perspective, Katelyn’s expertise and training seem to offer her an advantage as Landry’s mom, but I’m not sure that’s true in every sense. Without question, Katelyn is well-equipped to be the most amazing mom for both of her girls. Her talent, intelligence and immeasurable love guarantee that. But please don’t make the mistake of assuming that her knowledge of the special needs world makes her role as a mom any easier.
I can’t speak for Katelyn, but something that helps me on this parenting journey is being willing to admit when things are hard. Strength can be found in acknowledging the tough parts along with the good parts, celebrating joys without covering up struggles, and realizing that grief and anger can coexist with intense love that wells up inside. Katelyn embodies this type of strength. Through every challenge, she maintains an honest sense of encouragement and continually shares reminders of eternal truth. I’m so grateful to call her a friend.